Groton land eyed for Hindu temple that would be N.E.'s largest

GROTON -- If plans by a private developer clear the various land-use review boards, Groton could become host to the largest Hindu temple in New England.

The news came during a pre-submission review held by the Planning Board at its meeting Thursday, as agents for the Lexington Road Real Estate Development Group unveiled a concept plan for the proposed house of worship.

According the project's builder and developer, Michael Vaccaro, the proposed temple would be located off Boston Road just over the town line with Littleton, the former site of the now defunct Oak Ridge Estates subdivision.

The Oak Ridge project, developed by Matbob, Inc., had long been a bone of contention with town planners until the Zoning Board of Appeals approved a comprehensive permit for the 40B affordable- housing project in 2009.

But a flagging economy and depressed real-estate market prevented Matbob from proceeding with its plans even after the state's Department of Environmental Protection issued a superseding order of conditions that would have allowed the project to move forward despite concerns raised by the Conservation Commission.

Referring to the Commission's reservations about the danger to nearby wetlands on the 29-acre site, Vaccaro vowed to push back against any attempt to use those objections as a possible "intentional impediment" by town boards as cover for rejecting the project.

Vaccaro then referred to his clients as "minorities," suggesting that they might not be welcome in town.

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"If we are impeded from forward progress, we will respond accordingly," said Vaccaro in response to a request to clarify his comments.

Meanwhile, there was no suggestion of hostility among board members, who moved through the hearing quickly while registering the usual concerns about such a project as the threat to possible vernal pools on the site, encroachment into the 100-foot buffer zone surrounding nearby wetlands, traffic and septic issues, and access.

It would called the Shirdisai Hindu Temple. The proposed structure would be located on high ground and is expected to seat up to 500 people.

As planned, the temple is to be set amid formal gardens that could include several water fountains.

In the future, plans might also call for the construction of a second building to be used for social functions.

Parking will include spaces for upto 220 vehicles satisfying local zoning that requires one space for every three people for places of public attendance.

Temple representatives said that the local Hindu community had outgrown its current location along Route 110 in Chelmsford and looked forward to moving into the new temple, which is expected to be a magnet for worshippers from all over New England.

Vaccaro said supporters would like to start construction as quickly as possible.

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